“The United States’ utility system has grown
fat and complacent, shielded by an indulgent regulatory system that has masked
market realities, insulating utilities from the consumer.”

“The
smart meter is a canard—a story or a hoax based on specious and grandiose
claims about energy benefits ostensibly derived from the promise of “two-way”
communication with the customer.”

“Another
important limitation to the centralized utility approach is that it positions
the utility as the “gatekeeper” and controller of the “gateway” to the consumer
and his home.”

“What
is needed is not meter data flowing out of the premises, but rather grid load,
time-of-use signals, or electricity transactional data flowing into the
premises so that the premises can manage its own energy.”

“Smart
metering systems are highly arcane and non-engineers tend to assume
unquestioningly that the smart meter is a vital part of smart grid technology.”